Michigan basketball: report states NIL played a ‘major role’ in the loss of Hunter Dickinson

The Michigan basketball team experienced a significant blow through the transfer portal as former star player Hunter Dickinson opted to join the Kansas Jayhawks. When Dickinson initially entered the portal, it surprised many within the program and across the nation. However, the Wolverines have been active in the portal and seem to have built a strong roster for the upcoming 2023-24 season. Yet, what might be even more concerning than Dickinson’s departure is the reported reason behind it. Recent reports suggest that NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) opportunities played a significant role in Dickinson’s choice to leave Ann Arbor.

Michigan basketball: new reports state that NIL money played a major role in the loss of Hunter Dickinson

Hunter Dickinson has been a standout player in Juwan Howard’s Michigan basketball program for the past three years. He played a crucial role in leading the Wolverines to a Big Ten title and two Sweet 16 appearances, consistently showcasing his talent on the court during his time in Ann Arbor. However, he has decided to take his skills to Kansas in pursuit of a national championship, with reports suggesting that NIL opportunities played a significant role in his decision.

According to new reports from On3, Dickinson’s departure was largely influenced by the potential for increased NIL earnings. He mentioned that people criticizing his decision would readily switch jobs for a $10,000 raise. Dickinson highlighted that during his time at the University of Michigan, his NIL deals amounted to less than six figures for the year.

“The people hating on me would leave their job right now for a $10,000 increase. Ten thousand,” Dickinson said about his NIL deals at the Univeristy of Michigan. “I got, at Michigan, less than six figures. I got less than six figures at Michigan for the year.”

Despite choosing to leave the program, Hunter Dickinson still holds a positive view of his experience with the Maize and Blue. He emphasized that his decision was not a reflection of his feelings toward the program. In fact, he expressed his love for Michigan, the school, and the basketball program. Leaving was a difficult choice for him, but he ultimately believed it was the best decision for his future.

“I won’t say anything bad about the basketball program and stuff like that, because I still do love Michigan,” Dickinson said. “I love the school and everything, love the program. That’s why it was so hard to leave. I didn’t want to leave, but I felt like, man, it was the best decision for me.”

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